Contents
The West African nation of Niger is still recovering from floods that displaced 1.1 million people in the closing months of 2024. Niger was already struggling with food shortages, with an estimated 3.3 million facing food insecurity levels rated as “crisis” level or worse. The floods destroyed an estimated 190,000 hectares of cultivated agricultural land. Pray that the Lord will provide for the humanitarian needs of those suffering in Niger, and particularly the small Christian community who are at greater risk from the Islamist terror groups who control regions of the country.
“I lost everything in the attack that destroyed our village and that pained me, but what I missed most was not having my Bible which was destroyed in the fire.” These were the words of Mshelia, a Nigerian Christian among many forced from their homes by Islamist violence. Thank the Lord that Barnabas was able to provide 1,470 Bibles to communities impacted by Islamist attacks in Borno, Kaduna and Plateau states. “Barnabas Aid has given us the Word of God,” said Mshelia. Pray that His Word will be a source of strength to His people (Psalm 119:28).
North Korea’s communist regime categorises citizens according to their perceived loyalty to the state. All followers of religion, especially Christians, are automatically classified as “hostile” and worthy of punishment, even execution. Believers must keep their faith secret to avoid arrest, imprisonment, and torture and death in labour camps. Pray that the Church will still serve as a light in the darkness, even without any public demonstration of faith, in what is routinely identified as the most dangerous place to be a Christian. Pray for those experiencing the harsh conditions of labour camps that God will grant them strength, comfort and enduring communion with Him.
Lift up in prayer the families of two Christians, shot dead in separate incidents in Gujranwala, Pakistan. Twenty-five-year-old Suleman Iqbal, described by his father as “a committed Christian”, was attacked by five gunmen and shot in the stomach. His brother was also shot, but survived. A few days later Shabana Bibi and her teenage daughter Misbah were shot by two men on a motorbike. Shabana died instantly; at the time of writing, Misbah is in a critical condition. Pray for healing for Misbah, and ask for an end to attacks of this kind.
In a country where most believers are foreign workers, any Christian evangelism in Saudi Arabia is punishable by imprisonment or deportation. Leaving Islam is officially punishable by death, although no executions are known to have taken place in recent years. In this stronghold of Islam, a notable acknowledgement of religious diversity occurred as the authorities allowed worship services for Egyptian and Eritrean Christians. Pray that Christians, both Saudi and expatriate, will sense the Lord’s presence as they serve Him amid restrictions and for an increase in freedom to express their faith.
Lord God, we pray for Christians who endure persecution within their communities in many countries. We ask You to protect those suffering at the hands of the majority religion in rural areas. We ask You to provide for those deprived of access to land, resources and employment because of their faith. We pray especially for converts to Christ who experience hostility from their families and former friends. We ask that they know the reality of Your promise that anyone who has lost home or family for Jesus’ sake “will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life”, for we ask in His precious Name. (Matthew 19:29)
Christians are firmly established among both the Sinhala majority and Tamil minority ethic groups in Sri Lanka, but make up just 8% of the population overall. They encounter hostility from extremists amongst Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Additionally, extremists and local authorities often harass congregations, claiming that it is illegal for them to meet without permission. Pray that Christians in Sri Lanka will receive the full protection of the law and not be targeted for harassment within their community or by the authorities.
Christians in Syria remain wary of the country’s new leadership following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. The current head of Syria’s transitional government, Ahmad al-Sharaa (otherwise known as Mohammad al-Jolani), was previously the leader of Syria’s Al Qaeda affiliate, the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In recent years the HTS has disaffiliated from Al Qaeda, and al-Sharaa has made statements in favour of religious freedom. Pray that there will be freedom for Christians and other religious minorities, and that Syria’s new government will not implement an Islamist agenda.
The US government has declared that genocide has been carried out in Sudan’s Darfur region by one of the sides in the ongoing civil war. The declaration is the result of “systematic atrocities” carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in western Darfur. It is nearly two years since the beginning of the civil war between the RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces, who have also carried out attacks against civilians. Ethnic minority groups in Darfur were the victims of genocide in 2003-05, a period in which an estimated 200,000 were killed. Pray for a peaceful end to this lengthy conflict, for the humanitarian needs of Sudan to be met, and for our brothers and sisters who for many years have endured persecution for their faith.
The authorities of Tajikistan have refused to register any more churches since 2022, without giving an explanation for this policy. Unregistered congregations have no option but to meet as discreetly as they can as their gatherings are illegal. Even churches that were already registered are closely monitored and regulated. Pray that the Lord will give insight to Christians, and especially church leaders, in how they should navigate this difficult environment.
Two suspects have been arrested following a gun attack on a church building in Istanbul, Turkey (also known as Türkiye), on New Year’s Eve. One was heard shouting, “We will not allow you to brainwash our Muslim youth! O infidels, you will be defeated and gathered to be driven into hell.” Thankfully nobody was hurt in the incident. Give thanks for the swift response of the authorities, and pray for the Lord’s protection for Christians in Turkey.
Almost all Christians in Turkmenistan must worship illegally, as only 20 churches have been granted registered status. Religious meetings in private homes are banned, so police conduct surveillance for unauthorised religious activities, raiding Christians’ homes and arresting believers, particularly church leaders. Turkmenistan is known as the most authoritarian of all the Central Asian states, with a poor record on civil liberties, impoverished and largely closed off from the rest of the world. Pray for a softening of the authorities’ stance to allow more churches to register, and that the Lord will encourage Christians in Turkmenistan even as contact with the outside world is minimal.
Lord Jesus, we pray for those in our Christian family living in countries whose governments place severe restrictions on the practice of faith. We ask You to enable Your people to be trustworthy citizens, obedient where possible to the laws of the land. We praise You that You came as the perfect fulfilment of the law that is written on human hearts. We pray that the faithfulness of our brothers and sisters will be an encourage to believers everywhere. (Romans 10:4; Romans 2:15)
Two people were killed in a bombing carried out by the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces) at a metal workshop in Buike District, central Uganda. ISCAP is based in neighbouring D. R. Congo, but also carries out attacks in Uganda. In a social media post, the Islamists announced that “the soldiers of the Caliphate” had carried out the attack that “led to the killing of two Christians … praise be to God”. Ask the Lord to comfort the bereaved family and friends of the two victims, and to give wisdom to the authorities in combating jihadi terrorism.
Barnabas Aid’s donation of six power-system stabilisers has provided vital relief to six churches in Uzbekistan, where frequent power fluctuations had caused equipment failures and disrupted services. “We no longer worry about electricity or expect breakdowns,” said a grateful pastor. “Thank you for your help.” Praise God that He has enabled us to help in this way.
Impoverished ethnic minority Christians in Vietnam were left shivering during the winter. Temperatures can fall to near freezing in Vietnam’s mountainous regions, and our brothers and sisters were without any means of warmth. Praise the Lord that Barnabas was able to provide warm clothes and blankets to 76 members of the small Hmong Christian community, and that even small Barnabas projects make a big difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters.
While most Christians in Yemen are expatriates, a small number of Yemeni converts must keep their faith secret amid extreme hostility. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is considered apostasy by law, and the consequences for those who convert include imprisonment, forced renunciation of their faith, or even the threat of death. Yemen’s extreme poverty has been multiplied by the ongoing civil war which began in 2014. Persecution and vulnerability of religious minorities has worsened significantly in that time. Pray for courage and guidance for Yemeni Christians as they worship in secret and endure hardships. Pray for the civil war to end and genuine freedom of worship to be established.
Anti-Christian violence persists in many lands, confirming Jesus’s words that His followers will be persecuted as He was. As we reflect on the anguish of His suffering, pray that those who have lost loved ones or themselves suffered physical harm will know His comfort. As Christians are killed at the hands of Islamists, military regimes and in other atrocities elsewhere hidden from view, ask the Lord to sustain His people by assuring them that He has experienced their desolation. Pray that the reality that the debt of sin has been fully paid will cause faith to rise in the whole Church, but especially where she is suffering violence. (Matthew 27:46; John 19:30)
By the age of two, malnutrition had left Minenhle unable to walk, talk or play. Minenhle had also been born with a hole in her heart. She is among 600,000 Zimbabwean children enduring severe food shortages. Thank the Lord that Barnabas was able to provide 33 tonnes of ePap – a special maize-based porridge fortified with vitamins, minerals and protein – to 32,000 Zimbabwean Christians. Praise Him that, since the introduction of ePap into Minenhle’s diet, she has gained strength, and is developing physically and mentally. Her last hospital review showed that the hole in her heart has started to heal.
Our Father in Heaven, thank You that Jesus destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. We praise You for Your triumph over the grave through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and that anyone who trusts in Him will know living hope by a relationship with Him. We thank You that Christ in us is that hope of glory. We pray that the Church worldwide, particularly those suffering and persecuted believers, will draw strength and encouragement from His victory and abound in hope, for we ask in the wonderful and triumphant Name of Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:10; Colossians 1:27)
Praise God for the escape of a Nigerian Christian nurse, Alice Loksha, after more than six years of being held captive by Boko Haram terrorists. Alice was forced into two marriages during her captivity, and gave birth to a son, who escaped with her. “The same God that gave me that courage will be the same God that will lead me further,” she said shortly after regaining her freedom. Pray that Alice and her son will receive the practical and emotional help that they need. Ask the Lord to restore her life, increase her honour, and comfort her once more (Psalm 71:20-21).
Two young Christians were killed in a Boko Haram attack in Borno State, Nigeria, in January. A woman was also injured, and the terrorists burned down homes, shops and a church building in the area. “These attacks have been able to occur with alarming frequency,” said a resident. “More needs to be done to ensure the safety and security of our community.” Pray for the families who lost loved ones in the Bazir attack and ask for healing for our injured sister. Ask that the attacks by Boko Haram will cease and no more families will know the pain of loss through terrorism.
Islamic State West Africa Province has also carried out attacks in Borno State, Nigeria, against both civilian and military targets. After one machine gun raid in January, the terrorists boasted of killing an “infidel Christian” as well as burning down seven homes and a church building. Ask the Lord to bring an end to this wave of violence and make His people secure (Psalm 7:9). Pray that the Holy Spirit will convict those who carry out such attacks of their need of the Saviour.
Emergency aid has been given by Barnabas Aid to 1,000 Christian households (more than 9,000 people) in flood-affected areas of South Sudan. The aid included food and cooking utensils, blankets and mosquito nets, as well as trauma counselling. Thousands of people had been displaced by the unprecedented devastation. “We thank God for you,” said a South Sudanese pastor, “for saving the lives of many.” Give all thanks to God for His provision in times of trouble.
Nearly nine tonnes of vital aid has been delivered to Christians living close to the frontline of war-ravaged Ukraine by Barnabas Aid. This latest shipment from our food.gives project supplied around 1,500 believers with food and medical items. “Barnabas just keeps on sending,” said our grateful project partner, who described the generosity of our supporters as “mind blowing”. Praise the Lord that, as the conflict has continued, He has enabled us to continue helping our brothers and sisters.
Praise God for the testimony of “Firuza”, a Muslim-background believer and Bible translator in a Central Asian country who was wrongly imprisoned. Only the Quran was permitted in the prison, but miraculously after a time prison officials not only allowed Firuza to read the Bible for herself, but instructed that it should be read to the other prisoners. “After that I started to read the Bible for everyone,” Firuza explains. “Many women asked me to give them the Bible so that they could read it personally.” Thank the Lord for this demonstration of the power of His Word, and pray that He will continue to bless the work of Firuza now that she has left prison.
Heavenly Father, we pray for the availability of Your Word throughout the world, especially in the countries whose governments try to suppress it. We lift before You Bible translators and pray for discernment in their painstaking labours. We ask that people groups without clear translations of the Scriptures in their own languages will soon have access to the Truth. We know that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”. Please feed Your persecuted people with this spiritual food to strengthen them to endure. We ask in the Name of the Living Word, our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 4:4; John 1:14
A pastor who leads an independent house church in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region was shot with a rubber bullet, in what he described as a warning attack. Pastor Y Hung Ayun, 62, was shot in the left knee while riding a motorbike home one Sunday. Y Hung believes that the attack was a warning for him to stop his work as a house church pastor. Pray that the Lord will give courage to our brother and other persecuted Vietnamese Christians, and protect them from further harm.
An Iranian pastor is at risk of being deported from Turkey (also known as Türkiye) back to his own country, where there are concerns he could face further imprisonment or even death. Mojtaba Ahmadi, a convert from Islam, fled persecution in Iran more than a decade ago after enduring torture and solitary confinement in an Iranian prison. He was
arrested in Turkey in January 2024, and at the time of writing is still being held in an immigration centre. Pray that Pastor Mojtaba will be freed, and that he will not be forced to face further persecution in Iran
“The love you have shown for our children is immeasurable.” This was just one of many messages of thanks from impoverished pastors in rural India, after Barnabas funded the education of 114 children. These pastors struggle to make ends meet, facing opposition and ostracism from the local community. Many of their children had been unable to attend school because of discrimination. Praise the Lord for this opportunity, and pray that these children will grow in their love and knowledge of the Saviour (Colossians 1:10).
